Dia Libre #2

Today us Glimpsers had our second and final free day, as well as our second day of English tutoring. We started off the day with a wakeup call at 8:45 in order to rest up for the coming days which will be packed with the execution of our CAP project, along with our two remaining English lessons. We headed to breakfast where Anita and the staff prepared a light meal of bread with butter and jam, bananas, fruit, and oatmeal for us. Members of the budgeting team composed of myself, Kieran, Ariana, Josh, and Marelyn left breakfast early in order to purchase everything from our carefully curated list of supplies needed for our CAP project. With Kate’s help, we finally came to a decision regarding our choice of paint. With sustainability in mind, we opted for the highest quality paint along with a primer that will ensure that our mural will be long-lasting. Now that we had finally bought all of our paint, Kate took a truck back to Hotel Palacio while us Glimpsers were left on our own for the first time to purchase the rest of the supplies and enjoy the rest of our free time. While intimidating at first, we were finally ready to explore Guaranda on our own and were successfully able to cross the streets by ourselves. We ventured to various supply and hardware stores attempting to find the best deals for paint rollers, brushes, and tape. After making many circles around Plaza Roja, we finally found our way to the store where Kieran chose the perfect brushes for our mural. With Marelyn’s interpreting, we were able to purchase everything else that we needed.

We then enjoyed the rest of our free time by visiting various stores as well as a long awaited visit to Dulce Tomatina where we enjoyed cakes, milkshakes, and ice cream scoops. Other groups also went to the internet cafes to make calls to family and friends, as well as browse the internet.

By 2 o’clock, we were back at Hotel Palacio where we then walked to La Estancia to enjoy a meal of soup, salad, empanadas, sweet fried plantains and mango juice. Although this was our meal time, Glimpsers also utilized this time to plan our English lessons for the afternoon. After making our way back to Hotel Palacio, we rushed to place finishing touches on our lesson plans and change into our formal attire. We then walked to the school, Verbo Divino, where we reconvened with our students.

After completing our lessons, we headed back to the hotel for a seminar. Today’s seminar was Letters of Appreciation for donors who help fund scholarships and financial aid for the program. After completing our rough drafts we headed to La Estancia again to eat an American dinner of pasta, bread, and cake. Finally, we had our nightly meeting where we discussed how we would like to wrap up our time in Ecuador, as well as debriefing our English lessons. We then had a group conversation regarding the reality of the difficulties of immigration and assimilation into an English speaking world. To conclude the meeting, we overviewed the schedule for the first day of CAP, as well as our nightly ritual of a unity clap. We are looking forward to our long awaited mural project which we begin tomorrow. Keep the comments coming!

– Simone

12 Comments

Heidi hunter Nelson
on June 19, 2019 at 10:22 pm

Hi Ariana,
Wow what an incredible experience for you and the rest of your “ glimpsers “ crew. The mural is going to be beautiful. You are blessed to have such a an amazing experience take it all in. It’s a one of a lifetime experience that shape us to the person we become. Enjoy !!!!!
Love Heidi

It seems like you guys are really in the groove of things. Cake…milkshakes…ice cream….sounds like a quality day lol. I’m glad getting the supplies for the mural went smooth and that you guys are charged up for the jam-packed days to come. I’m looking forward to seeing how the project comes together. Enjoy the process…it’s once in a lifetime.
xoxo,
Bijan, Mom, and Ollie

What an exciting day! So great to read such a nice detailed account. Along with the pictures, it was almost like being there with you—which I wish we were but that’s another story. Wishing great things for the mural project and more adventures, too!

Simone, thanks for the write-up sounds like your days continue to be packed up of learnings and fun. EP – can’t say enough about how awesome it was to hear your voice and catch-up. All – enjoy your last days and soak it all in. Thanks to all the leaders and locals who have taken care of you and given you another perspective. Can’t wait to see you all.

Sounds like you guys had a great day! Glad to hear your finding your way about, seems like you’re really getting a good feel for your surroundings navigating about to find the best deals for your mural. Proud of you all and look forward to reading about tomorrow’s adventures.

Hello Glimpsers: I’m glad that another day doing new things, making their adventures, I’m glad they found everything they need for the project, and how delicious they ate pasta that Josue loves so much, and dessert that rich! I know that project is going to be great, we go glimpsers! Greetings and care. Josue: we miss you so much and we love you.